The Alfa Romeo SZ and its roadster twin, the RZ, were born from a 1980s collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Zagato. Dubbed 'Il Mostro' (The Monster), its aggressive composite bodywork was penned by Fiat's Robert Opron. Built on a modified Alfa 75 Group A race car chassis, it features a 3.0-liter Busso V6 producing 210 hp, a rear-mounted transaxle, and an advanced inboard suspension setup. Production was extremely limited, with 1,036 SZ coupes built from 1989-1991 and just 278 RZ roadsters from 1992-1993.
Collectors value the SZ and RZ for their polarizing design, rarity, and raw driving dynamics. It's one of the last analog Alfa Romeos, offering a direct connection between the driver, the road, and that incredible V6 sound. The rarity, especially of the RZ, ensures exclusivity that's hard to find at this price point. It represents a quirky and significant chapter in Alfa Romeo's history.
The market for these cars is steady, with an average price hovering around $70,000. It's a niche vehicle, and the low sales volume shows that owners tend to keep them for long periods. While not experiencing rapid appreciation, values have remained firm, making the SZ/RZ a solid purchase for an enthusiast looking for a truly unique Italian sports car.
Buying Tips
- Inspect the composite body panels for crazing and cracks, as repairs are specialized and costly.
- The dashboard material is notorious for becoming sticky and deteriorating. Check its condition, as replacement is difficult.
- Test the electronically adjustable Koni suspension. The system and its hydraulic ride-height adjustment can be failure points.
- The Busso V6 requires a timing belt change every 3 years. It's a complex, engine-out job, so verify it's been done in the service history.
- Check for a balky 2nd gear when cold, a common issue with Alfa Romeo transaxles of this era.
Prices range from around $43,250 for driver-quality examples to over $91,000 for the best-preserved cars.
66 Alfa Romeo SZ & RZ vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 6 currently live. Sold prices range from $28,080 to $300,000.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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